PHOTOS: Nadal battles past Thiem in five-set epic to enter US Open semis

Last updated on: September 05, 2018 12:54 IST

IMAGE: Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates his five-set win over Austria's Dominic Thiem in the US Open men's singles quarter-final in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City on Tuesday. Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Defending champion Rafael Nadal failed to win a single game in the opening set of his US Open quarter-final against Dominic Thiem on Tuesday but fought back to beat the Austrian 0-6, 6-4, 7-5, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5) in match that ended past 2 am in New York.

Nadal won just 40 percent of his first serves in the first set as he struggled with the high humidity on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court, as Thiem became the first player to 'bagel' the Spaniard at Flushing Meadows since Andy Roddick 14 years ago.

Thiem, who lost to Nadal in the French Open final but who has beaten the Spaniard three times in 10 previous meetings, struck 74 winners, including 24 with his stylish single-handed backhand, to keep the champion under constant pressure.

"I'm very sorry for Dominic," Nadal added.

"He's a close friend on tour, a great guy and I wish him the very best ... He is young and has plenty of time to win tournaments."